Church of Bible Understanding Overview

Group Name: Church of Bible Understanding

Current Leader: Stewart Traill (until his death in 2018, leadership structure unclear thereafter)

Date Founded: 1971

Locations: Primarily in New York, with operations in other states and missions in Haiti

Characteristics:

• Group endorses non-orthodox theology: Yes, the group’s teachings are considered unorthodox by mainstream Christianity. Stewart Traill’s interpretations of the Bible were unique and often deviated significantly from traditional Christian doctrine. They reject the Trinity and claim to be the only source of salvation. Their theology was characterized by an authoritarian structure, unique scriptural interpretations, and a heavy emphasis on repentance and works-based righteousness.

• The Leader is an infallible authority: Yes, Stewart Traill was seen as an infallible authority by his followers, and his interpretations and teachings were not to be questioned.

• Leadership seeks control over members’ activities, behaviors, and finances: Yes, there are reports that the leadership exercised extensive control over members’ daily activities, behaviors, and finances, requiring members to contribute their earnings to the group.

• Requires unquestioning faith and allegiance to the leader or group: Yes, members were expected to show complete loyalty and faith in Stewart Traill and his teachings.

• Suppression of Critical Thinking: Yes, questioning the leader’s teachings or the group’s practices was discouraged, and critical thinking was suppressed.

• Intimidation, fear, and shame are used to control members: Yes, former members and critics have reported that intimidation, fear, and shame were used to maintain control over the group.

• Isolates or shuns former members, leading to loss of family connections and support: Yes, former members have reported being shunned and isolated from their families and support networks after leaving the group.

• Allegations of financial abuse and lack of transparency: Yes, there have been numerous allegations of financial exploitation and lack of transparency regarding the group’s finances. Members were often required to turn over their earnings to the group.

• Allegations of sexual misconduct: No widely substantiated allegations of sexual misconduct have been reported, though there are numerous other serious allegations regarding the group’s treatment of its members.

Narrative:

The Church of Bible Understanding (COBU) was founded in 1971 by Stewart Traill. Traill’s unique interpretations of the Bible quickly attracted a following, but his authoritarian leadership style and the group’s unorthodox teachings also drew significant criticism. Traill was regarded as an infallible authority by his followers, and his teachings deviated substantially from traditional Christian doctrine.

Members of COBU experienced extensive control over their daily lives, including their activities, behaviors, and finances. Traill’s teachings were not to be questioned, and critical thinking was discouraged. Intimidation, fear, and shame were reportedly used to maintain control over members. Those who left the group often faced isolation and loss of connections with their families and former support networks.

Financial exploitation was a significant issue within COBU, with members required to turn over their earnings to the group. The lack of financial transparency further exacerbated concerns about financial abuse. While there have not been widespread allegations of sexual misconduct, the group’s controversial practices and the treatment of its members have led to substantial criticism and concern from former members and external observers.